The Donnelly Cup Primary Schools’ Competition 2016 – Six Schools Shared the Cups and Shields Amongst Them at The Annual Donnelly Cup Tournament Hosted on 17th June 2016 in Ballinamullan
The annual Donnelly Cup Parish Primary Schools’ Tournament hosted by Killyclogher/Cappagh GAC took place on Friday 17th June in Ballinamullan.
When all the teams arrived they were greeted with dry but cloudy conditions but the dreaded rain stayed away throughout to add to this great occasion.
Over 140 local school children playing in 14 teams representing Primary Schools within our Parish took part in this year’s competition.
The passion and determination shown by so many children of our Parish once again provided us with a magnificent display of footballing talent.
In order to accommodate as many children as possible the competition this year was played off in four sections reflecting the diverse age range and ability of all those participating.
Once again there was a separate competition for our girls which proved to be an overwhelming success.
Donnelly Cup: St Mary’s A v St Mary’s B
Winner – St Mary’s A
Centenary Shield: Recarson v Omagh Integrated
Winner – Omagh Integrated
Ballinamullan Shield: Christ the King v St Mary’s C
Winner – Christ the King
Corn Na Cheid Cup (Girls): Recarson v Omagh Integrated
Winner – Recarson
McAleer Shield (Girls): St Mary’s v Christ The King
Winner – Christ The King
Cappagh Cup (Mixed): Gortnagarn v St Eugene’s Tycur
Winner – St Eugene’s Tycur
Cappagh Shield (Mixed): Recarson v St Brigid’s Mountfield
Winner – Recarson
All the above finals were played with a fascinating display of tenacity and determination.
All the children who competed should be very proud of their performances.
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A very special thank-you goes out to all our valiant competitors for the huge hearts which they displayed competing this year.
Their determination, skill and sportsmanship must be admired and will stand them in good stead in years to come.
Their respective teachers, coaches and parents also deserve a massive thank you for mentoring such a fine bunch of children.
We would also like to thank Dermot Carlin for attending this event and showing great support to our local youth in their demonstration of football skills throughout.
Our referees deserve a massive thank you from all concerned involved as they stood up to the task magnificently with the Donnelly Cup professionally marshalled by Rian McCaul.
We are once again indebted to Toni Magee and her support staff for organizing, providing and serving the teas, sandwiches and refreshments to keep us going throughout the day.
The Youth Officers would like to thank the ground staff, Mr Magee and Mr Lowry for all their support today with a special thanks to Mrs Papparazzi, Mary McGinn Rafferty.
A special recognition has to be made to a wonderful lady who took time out of her busy schedule for the final time in her current role as Principal of St Mary’s School to attend this event. Mrs Margaret Moohan has been a fantastic supporter of the Club and in particular The Donnelly Cup Tournament; The Club would like to wish her health and enjoyment to enjoy her deserved imminent retirement. Good luck from all concerned, it is well deserved.
It is also with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to the involvement of Gortnagarn Primary School who participated in The Donnelly Cup for the last time. They have had a long and rich involvement in the competition.
The cheers and laughter of the children make events like these very worthwhile; so already we are looking forward with much enthusiasm to see what entertainment next year’s tournament will bring. Congratulations and well done to all.
There are plenty of event photographs on the Killyclogher GAA Facebook page.
